Virgin River fans can rejoice as the much-anticipated sixth season is set to return this week, continuing the captivating story of Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson).
The popular Netflix drama has kept viewers on their toes with its latest instalments, which included a fifth season and two festive specials in 2023.
As we gear up for the drama to unfold a year later, let’s take a moment to recap where we last left Mel, Jack, and the rest of the Virgin River residents.
What happened in the season five finale?
Season five of Virgin River was nothing short of tumultuous for the townsfolk, as they faced the threat of a wildfire that endangered countless lives and nearly obliterated the town, reports the Express.
However, thanks to Hope McCrea’s (Annette O’Toole) quick thinking, disaster was averted. But that didn’t mean the characters were free from personal troubles.
Despite her heroic efforts in saving her neighbours, Mel suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage amidst the chaos, confessing to Jack her uncertainty about trying for another baby.
Adding to the pregnancy-related drama, Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) revealed that the father of her twins is none other than drug lord Calvin (David Cubitt), who, surprisingly, is alive and seemingly ready to turn over a new leaf, or at least attempt to be present for his children.
The previous season saw the local crime syndicate receive a new player in the form of Melissa Montgomery (Barbara Pollard), who abducts Brady (Ben Hollingsworth) resulting in Mike (Marco Grazzini) getting shot. This leads to Jack’s sister Brie (Zibby Allen) ending her relationship with Brady and starting to date Mike.
Preacher (Colin Lawrence) also found himself in hot water as Vince (Steve Bacic), the twin brother of Paige’s (Lexa Doig) abusive ex Wes, discloses to the police that Paige murdered Vince and Preacher concealed his body.
On a brighter note, there was a hint of romance for Jack’s Marine friend as chemistry began to develop between Preacher and firefighter Kaia (Kandyse McClure).
In another twist, Mel’s sister Joey (Jenny Cooper) uncovers a collection of hidden love letters their mother wrote to an unknown man residing in Virgin River, who could potentially be Mel’s biological father.
What happened in the Christmas specials?
The pivotal moment in Virgin River’s festive episodes was the shocking revelation that Everett Reid (John Allen Nelson) is actually Mel’s father.
Initially, he denies it, but by the end of the second episode, he changes his stance and hints at more revelations, setting the stage for a captivating discussion at the start of season six.
Apart from this major reveal, the Christmas double feature was packed with plenty more surprises.
Preacher’s latest romantic interest is set to become a permanent fixture as she secures the position of Virgin River’s new fire chief. However, Kaia will have to navigate some tricky situations given her new beau’s looming legal issues following the Paige and Vince saga.
Hope and Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins (Tim Matheson) once again step into the role of surrogate parents for Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale), who finds out she’s expecting Doc’s grandson Denny’s (Kai Bradbury) baby and grapples with how to break the news to her mum. It’s also revealed that they’re having a girl.
The festive specials also saw Brady discovering newfound love with Lark (Elise Gatien), who appears utterly smitten. But in true Virgin River fashion, Brady can’t catch a break as Lark is covertly collaborating with Calvin’s right-hand man Jimmy (Ian Tracey).
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SkyBy the conclusion of the episodes, fans finally received the news they’ve been eagerly anticipating for five seasons – Charmaine has at last welcomed her twins!
In addition, Jack surprises Mel with an adorable puppy named Pony, a fluffy substitute for the pony she always dreamt of owning as a child and the perfect new member of their future home on Lilly’s (Lynda Boyd) farm.
Will Mel’s reunion with her father go off without a hitch? Can Preacher extricate himself from his predicament? And will Mel and Jack’s wedding proceed smoothly? All will be revealed very soon.
Virgin River season 6 premieres Thursday, December 19 on Netflix.